A big merger could be coming for the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, which oversees Catholic churches in six counties including Butler.
A panel has recommended merging the current 188 parishes into 48. The group also recommends keeping multiple worship sites open in the parishes, although some churches would close. The diocese has set up a website with a complete list of parish grouping recommendations.
Details are not finalized. The recommendations will be reviewed before a final decision is expected in April.
The move is part of a restructuring process launched by Bishop David Zubik earlier this year to combat declines in both priests and church attendance.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh includes Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.